Atom AA Crushers struggle at mainland league tourney

NEW GLASGOW – The Pictou County atom AA Crushers participated in the mainland league tournament hosted by Western Valley Minor Hockey over the weekend.

They faced tough competition against the top four teams in the league, opening with a loss Friday night to West Hants. Cameron MacKinnon received player of the game honours for the Crushers.

In their first of three games on Saturday, Yarmouth took the win 5-1. Brent Chapman scored the Crushers lone goal on a feed from Ian Reynolds and Calvin Denny. Chapman received player of the game award.

Despite a hard fought battle against Cumberland in the second game, the Crushers lost 3-1 with Tanner Steele getting the Crusher goal and Cale Archibald and Cale MacLaughlin with assists. MacLaughlin was named player of the game.

In their final game, a very tired Crushers team skated as hard as they could, but could not overcome the strong offense of Western Valley. Denny was named player of the game. Michal Law and Jacob Fraser shared all the games between the pipes.

A skills competition was held Saturday as part of the tournament. Four players from each team were chosen to compete in a shootout competition, fastest forward skater, fastest backwards skater and goalie shootout.

The atom AA players represented Pictou County well, with Joseph Mason winning the shootout competition; Gabe Paquet placing second in the fastest forward skate; Covey Cameron placing second the fastest backward skate; and Jacob Fraser placing second in the goalie shootout.

The atom AA Crushers wrap up their season this weekend when they participate in the Birthplace of Hockey tournament in Windsor.